Feeling anxious or stressed? Discover the amazing plant that could help you feel more at ease: lemon balm. Dive into this blog to learn how lemon balm can benefit anyone feeling anxiety, all backed by some solid scientific explanations!
1. Natural Anxiety Relief
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been used since the Middle Ages to ease tension and stress. It’s known to naturally calm and soothe the mind, making it ideal for relieving everyday anxiety. Many people find that it helps to quiet their racing thoughts, giving them a much-needed break from feelings of anxiety and worry.
2. Improved Sleep Quality
Good sleep is essential for managing anxiety, and lemon balm could be just what you need for better rest. It has mild sedative properties that help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Improved sleep can significantly reduce anxiety levels the next day, creating a positive cycle of better rest and less stress.
3. Enhances Mood
Lemon balm doesn’t just reduce anxiety; it can also lift your spirits. Research suggests that it helps to improve mood and cognitive function. This means fewer anxious moments and more happy and productive days. The herb increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can boost your sense of well-being.
4. Cognitive Function Support
Feeling anxious often goes hand-in-hand with difficulties in thinking clearly and concentrating. Lemon balm can help with this too. Studies have shown that it can enhance focus and memory, making it easier to think through problems and reduce the overwhelmed feeling that comes with anxiety. This cognitive boost can help you tackle tasks more effectively, lowering your overall stress.
5. Reduces Stress Symptoms
When you’re anxious, your body shows physical signs like a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, or an upset stomach. Lemon balm has been found to help with these physical symptoms by lowering stress hormones in the body. This means you not only feel calmer mentally but also physically, as your body follows suit and relaxes.
6. Soothing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, usually in the winter. SAD often comes with symptoms of anxiety. Lemon balm can be particularly helpful in such cases. Its mood-enhancing and calming effects can provide a dual benefit for those suffering from SAD, helping to manage both feelings of sadness and anxiety.
7. Historical and Modern Validation
Lemon balm’s use for relieving anxiety isn’t just an old wives’ tale. Historical texts, as well as modern scientific studies, back its effectiveness. For centuries, people have turned to this herb to find ease from their worries. In modern times, clinical research validates its benefits, giving you confidence in its powers to help ease anxiety.
Sources
- “Lemon Balm.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lemon-balm.
- Akhondzadeh, Shahin, et al. “Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, vol. 74, no. 7, 2003, pp. 863-866.
- Scholey, Andrew B., et al. “A dose-ranging study investigating cognitive and mood effects of Ginkgo biloba and Melissa officinalis in healthy young volunteers.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 179, no. 3, 2005, pp. 676-684.
Health Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen.
